PROGRAM DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

D.A.R.E, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, has been taught in the
Springfield Public Schools by Springfield police officers since 1990. In
recent years, the question has been asked, "Does D.A.R.E really work?"
Those involved in the program know that they make a positive impression on
the children they speak to, that year. But, does this anti-drug message
really make a difference as children grow older and peer pressures and
drugs become a reality in schools?

Like police patrolling a neighborhood, actual events that are prevented are
hard to capture. There lies the question, "Does D.A.R.E really work?"

One week after school started, a parent called the Springfield Police
D.A.R.E office. She has a student who attends one of Springfield's middle
schools. This mom said another student gave her son some marijuana. Her son
handed it to her when he arrived home and said, "This is what D.A.R.E.
Officer Jacobs told us to do." This mother called to praise the D.A.R.E
program and ask for additional information.

This event is not unique and happens frequently, although we seldom hear
about them. Like the starfish on a beach that is thrown back, we can't save
them all but we can make a difference to those we truly touch.

Sgt. Greg Fels, Crime Prevention D.A.R.E Supervisor, Springfield Police
Department